Air Force, Navy hurdle rivals

Air Force and Navy pulled off victories in contrasting fashions to join opening day winners Cignal and PLDT at second in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Blue Eagle gym in QC yesterday.

The Air Force Agilas bucked the 31-hit explosion of Bryan Bagunas as they bounced back from a fourth set collapse to snatch a 25-22, 21-25, 25-23, 14-25, 15-10 decision over the Sta. Elena Ball Hammers.

Howard Mojica came away with 19 hits while Alnakran Abdilla backed him up with 17 points for the Agilas, who barely nipped the Ball Hammers in spikes, 56-51, bucked the poor service reception that saw them yield eight aces, and overcame their rivals’ edge in blocks, 7-11.

It was a sorry loss for Sta. Lucia which came out strong in the fourth to force the decider only to succumb to the Agilas’ strong finishing kick.

Navy, on the other hand, dominated Army, 25-23, 25-20, 25-15, with Greg Dolor leading the attack with 11 markers and Jayson Sapida, Razzel Palisoc and Bonjomar Castel scoring eight hits apiece for the Fighting Stingrays.

Opening day winner Ateneo was playing with Instituto Estetico Manila at press time.